Eight months after its announcement, the world witnessed one of the most anticipated boxing matches of the 21st century:27-year-old YouTuber turned boxer, Jake Paul, took on who is considered one of the greatest boxers of all time, 58-year-old, Mike Tyson, the Friday night of Nov. 15.
Prior to the fight, many believed that Jake Paul had no chance against Tyson, who went into the fight with a 50-6 record. Paul being less than half of Tyson’s age became a common cause of debate during the build up to the fight. Many wondered if Tyson would keep up with someone more agile than himself, or if his age would get the best of him.
Going into the fight, many noticed something wrong with Tyson, as he was wearing a knee brace on his right leg. This caused some worry to spectators about Tyson’s physical condition, yet it was clear both fighters were ready to begin.
Round one began, and the energy in AT&T Stadium was incredible after months of waiting for this moment. Tyson seemed aggressive, pressuring and testing Paul as soon as possible, yet Paul was quick to react, avoiding many of Tyson’s quick overhand attacks. Paul responded with some quick jabs as well, many of which were barely avoided by Tyson, concluding round one of eight.
Round two’s bells rang and both fighters were back at it. After getting a sense of their opponent, both fighters were able to get some great shots in, with Tyson landing a hard hitting jab on Paul’s face, knocking him back. A lot of people were very excited about Tyson’s hit, and many believed this would be the moment where Tyson would gain the upper hand. However, that wasn’t the case, because not long after, Paul landed a stunning right hook near Tyson’s left eye, seeming to cause some distress to Tyson.
Although both fighters were able to land some great hits on each other, Tyson began to look like he was going to come out of the fight victorious, until round three.
Going into the third round, many believed it would be the last, and that Tyson would knockout (K.O.) Paul. As soon as the round began, many of those hopes showed some possibility of becoming a reality, with Tyson instantly pressuring Paul with multiple jabs and hooks. But this would be Tyson’s biggest mistake during the fight, as he allowed himself to become vulnerable. Paul seemed to notice this opening as well, and took the opportunity to land another right hook as well as a few jabs to Tyson’s abdomen.
This was the moment Tyson’s age got the best of him, altering the outcome of the fight tremendously. Paul’s speed matched with his strength was something Tyson didn’t seem ready for. Unable to defend himself from three consecutive left hooks from Paul, the win seemed sealed for Paul.
Round four through eight, 58 year old Tyson didn’t seem to have control of the fight any longer, landing very few punches and jabs, Paul seemed to have been handed the win from this point on, getting more aggressive as the match progressed, something Tyson failed to defend himself against.
In the end, Paul won by unanimous decision, 80-72, 79-73 and 79-73, defeating the “Iron” Mike Tyson. Paul showed his respect by bowing to the legend.
“[He’s the] greatest of all time (GOAT),” Paul said, “we wouldn’t be here today without him.”
Tyson later went on to post after the fight on the social media platform X, claiming he was grateful for the fight, and saying that he has no regrets. Tyson then goes on to share his near death experience that occurred back in June of this year, just a month before the fight was originally scheduled.
“Love you Mike. It was an honor. You’re an inspiration to us all,” Paul said.
